The Times deplorably called illegal US sanctions on Russia a “civic duty,” ignoring congressional breaching of fundamental international and constitutional law, supporting what demands condemnation.

Putin responded by ordering the reduction of Washington’s diplomatic and support staff in Russia to the same number of their counterparts in America – effective September 1.

Washington’s southern Moscow warehouses and Serebryany Bor property were frozen, access by US personnel suspended as of August 1.

Putin said he acted “(b)ecause the American side once again made an absolutely ungrounded…step to deteriorate the Russian-US relations, imposing illegal restrictions and trying to press other countries, including its allies, which are interested in the development and maintaining of relations with Russia.”

His modest action was long overdue, entirely justified in response to unacceptable US policies toward Russia.

The Times: Putin’s “announcement (was) an aggressive response to new American sanctions that seemed ripped right from the Cold War playbook and sure to increase tensions between the two capitals.”

Fact: He’s been remarkably restrained for years, his patience finally running out, realizing prospects for improved ties with Washington are nil.

Stephen Lendman was born in 1934 in Boston, MA. In 1956, he received a BA from Harvard University. Two years of US Army service followed, then an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1960. After working seven years as a marketing research analyst, he joined the Lendman Group family business in 1967. He remained there until retiring at year end 1999. Writing on major world and national issues began in summer 2005. In early 2007, radio hosting followed. Lendman now hosts the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network three times weekly. Distinguished guests are featured. Listen live or archived. Major world and national issues are discussed. Lendman is a 2008 Project Censored winner and 2011 Mexican Journalists Club international journalism award recipient.

About Stephen

Stephen Lendman was born in 1934 in Boston, MA. In 1956, he received a BA from Harvard University. Two years of US Army service followed, then an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1960. After working seven years as a marketing research analyst, he joined the Lendman Group family business in 1967.